Be inspired once more: the Astellas Oncology C3 Prize returns for a second year

Although patients today can access more resources and tools than ever before to support their cancer journey, many still have unmet needs in areas such as care coordination, navigation, adherence and survivorship.

2016 saw the launch of the Astellas Oncology Changing Cancer Care (C3) Prize to recognize the most inspiring non-treatment innovations for improving patient care. Now the C3 Prize – designed to inspire and support ideas to change cancer care and offering a total of $100,000 in grants to five finalists – returns for its second year.

“Despite significant advances in the treatment of cancer, patients and caregivers still face significant obstacles to receiving or providing optimal care,” said Mark Reisenauer, senior vice president, oncology business unit, Astellas. “Last year, we received more than 100 submissions from 15 different countries, and our hope is that Astellas’ support can help bring to life bright ideas and potential solutions from anyone who is directly affected by cancer.”

Last year’s Grand Prize winner was Diane Jooris, founder of Oncomfort, a virtual reality platform to help cancer patients manage anxiety. “The C3 Prize provided the resources needed to complete the development of a new virtual reality module, as well as invaluable exposure for our idea,” said Jooris. “I encourage everyone with an idea to change cancer care to apply.”

Based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, Oncomfort helps cancer patients through its several modules: Aqua, for general stressful situations; Amo, for invasive procedures; Kimo, for during chemotherapy; Spacio, for before MRI scans or radiotherapy; and Stella – in honor of Astellas– for short procedures.

On reaching the finals, five finalists will pitch their concepts at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Mexico City, November 13. One winner will be granted the Grand Prize – $50,000 and a personal business consultation from Robert Herjavec, technology entrepreneur and star of ABC’s Shark Tank. The four runners-up will receive $12,500 and a one-year nights and weekends membership to MATTER, a healthcare innovation community.

Astellas encourages all entrants to apply whether they are a patient, caregiver or healthcare professional and whether they have an established business, finished product or not. Astellas Oncology C3 Prize submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on August 21. The areas of focus this year include navigating the healthcare system, treatment adherence, coordinating care and life after treatment.

For more information on the application process, and for full terms and conditions, including eligibility and challenge rules, please visit: http://www.c3prize.com/.

Astellas Patient Advocacy is a function within Corporate Affairs at Astellas that focuses on creating, building and maintaining third-party relationships. We serve as a conduit between Astellas and external stakeholders to help improve patient outcomes, improve access issues and address patients’ unmet needs head on.